SPAR South Africa continues highlighting the national issue of gender-based violence (GBV) with the second edition of its Virtual Women’s Challenge. The SPAR partner is inviting women to run, jog, or walk their own virtual challenge, at their own location and pace, on 4 September 2021.

Race for charity

Part of the entry fee to the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge of ZAR60 will be donated to worthy causes. SPAR South Africa’s commitment to women includes the petal project which donates packs of sanitary pads to underprivileged girls. The #LiveLimitless hashtag and #SPARVirtualChallenge tag highlight the online community of the challenge.

SPAR Eastern Cape beneficiaries

The beneficiaries in the Eastern Cape region include Masimanyane and On Eagles’ Wings. These organisations tie in with SPAR’s pledge to lead the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and to provide support to the less fortunate.

At the regional Virtual Challenge launch, SPAR Eastern Cape Managing Director Angelo Swartz reaffirmed the retailer’s commitment to supporting women and families. “Our core values revolve around business, family, passion and entrepreneurship; in that, women and family play a massive role. The Women’s Challenge is the epitome of what we see in supporting women in our community as we strive to bring families together”, said Angelo Swartz.

Angelo Swartz adds that as a brand, it was important not to just pay lip service and that, in the past year, the company had invested heavily in supporting causes about issues that affect women and children.

Masimanyane, which started in 1996, has developed into a worldwide movement fighting for women’s rights. “We want to see women living lives that are equal and where they are respected as citizens of this country, free from all forms of violence. That is the ultimate goal”, said Executive Director Lesley Ann Foster.

In a similar vein, On Eagles’ Wings, under the leadership of Mercy Cwayi, has been operating in the Kouga municipality for the past 14 years. “In South Africa, gender-based violence is seen as a second pandemic, causing many families to be dysfunctional — which affects women and children the most”, said Mercy Cwayi.

Support the runners

Follow the 75,000 participants who have registered and will compete on 4 September through the official website or the online community using the hashtags #LiveLimitless and #SPARVirtualChallenge. Registered participants will receive a race pack which includes an official virtual challenge t-shirt, access to the My Virtual Challenge digital magazine, a face buff, and a medal. Participants can visit the official race website to generate their own race number and finish line certificate, perfect for pre-and post-race selfies.

Source: SPAR South Africa

Read more about SPAR in South Africa.

About SPAR South Africa

SPAR South Africa was established in 1963 and operates four retail formats: SPAR, SPAR Express (operated in conjunction with Shell as a petrol forecourt store), KWIKSPAR (which focuses on convenience in city centres and high footfall locations) and SUPERSPAR (similar to EUROSPAR in offer).

South Africa was the first country outside of Europe to join the SPAR organisation. The SPAR Group Ltd South Africa grants sub-licences to independent retailers to operate stores under one of the four formats. Almost all the current store portfolio is independently owned.